What to do about bats

May 5, 2014

We love them because they eat insects and, after all, they're one of God's creatures.

We hate them because they can spread disease, and they're a bit creepy when they swoop too close during their night feeding flights.

Adding to this emotional roller coaster is white-nose syndrome, a fungus known to cause significant rates of illness and death in North American bats.

White-nose syndrome has been discovered in Dickinson County, Department of Natural Resources officials announced, meaning many of our local bats will likely die in the next few years.

Meantime, Dickinson-Iron District Health Department officials are reminding folks that while they provide a useful service in controlling the insect population, bats can also be carriers of rabies and other diseases.

That means families and pets need to avoid contact with these flying mammals.

"It's important to know what to do to reduce the risk of coming into contact with a bat and what to do if there is one in your living quarters," said Daren Deyaert, Environmental Health Director for the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department.

To that end, the Health Department offers the following tips to reduce exposure to bats.

Bats Outdoors

Some bats roost in tree cavities or foliage, and might be spotted in areas where outdoor activities take place, such as hiking or camping. While there have been instances of humans exposed to rabid bats, most bats in a natural setting are not rabid and, in many outdoor situations, the presence or sighting of bats is common and normal. When possible, prevent bats from entering outdoor living quarters and other occupied spaces.

Screens or mosquito netting can provide a useful barrier against direct bat contact.

Teach children never to handle live or dead bats, as well as any unfamiliar wild or domestic animals (even if they appear friendly).

In some settings, materials contaminated with bat droppings may have to be disposed of or decontaminated.

Clean-up of areas contaminated with bat droppings should not be attempted by non-trained personnel, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirator, mask, gown, and gloves, should be worn by anyone handling the potentially infectious material.

Bats Indoors

Some bats live in buildings, and may continue to do so with little risk to inhabitants if they are unable to access living areas and the chance of contact with people is low. However, bats should always be prevented from entering rooms of your home. Bat proofing your home or living quarters can prevent them from entering.

If you choose to "bat-proof" your home, here are some suggestions:

- Carefully examine your home for holes that might allow bats entry into your living quarters.

- Any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch should be caulked.

- It may be important to capture the bat for rabies testing, especially if a potential bite or exposure has occurred.

- Put on leather work gloves.

- Gather the following supplies: small box or coffee can, piece of cardboard, and tape.

- When the bat lands, approach it slowly, while wearing the gloves, and place the box or coffee can over it.

- Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.

Tape the cardboard to the container securely, and punch small holes in the cardboard, allowing the bat to breathe.

If a bat is found in a room with a sleeping child, an intoxicated person, or a sound sleeper, the bat should be tested. Also a bat that has been killed by a pet or found in a room with a pet should also be tested.

If a bite or exposure to saliva (e.g., into a person's mouth, eyes, or a fresh wound) has occurred, you will need to contact the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department at the numbers below to arrange for rabies testing of the bat. If no potential exposure has occurred, the bat can be safely released outside.

For more information about bats, call the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department at 779-7239 or (906) 265-4172 or visit the CDC website at CDC.gov/features/bats.